AL-KHALIL (HEBRON) A week in photos July 4 -10

Access Denied

Pictured here: One of two new checkpoints under construction in the neighbourhood of Tel Rumeida. Once these checkpoints are completed, Palestinians will face even greater restrictions of movement, further denying their freedom to move easily for work, school, or even visiting family and friends. A checkpoint is a way that Israeli Occupying Forces attempt to control daily life in occupied Al-Khalil, in this case building a concrete, permanent barrier in which Palestinians will be harassed, ID checked, and body searched daily.

(July 6, 2017)

Free, Free Palestine

Pictured here: A group of Palestinian men, women, and children organised by the Dismantle the Ghetto campaign participate in a nonviolent action in Tel Rumeida, near the checkpoint mentioned above. Demonstrators gathered in resistance to Israeli Occupation Forces that continually claim the space of their neighbourhoods, remaining present even when their rights are violated. (July 6, 2017)

Right to Play

Pictured here: Several Palestinian children make their own fun as they play in the street leading to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Hard paved streets are the only spaces available for children to play on in Israeli-occupied Al-Khalil, with the one grassed park area reserved only for Israeli settlers. Efforts to play are often thwarted by Israeli soldiers who force children to leave the area or confiscate and damage footballs and other toys.

(July 7, 2017)

Umm al-Khair

Pictured here: Sunrise in the village of Umm al-Khair, located in the South Hebron Hills. The Karmel settlement occupies much of the land of Umm al-Khair and sits directly adjacent to the existing Palestinian community, whose homes have been demolished and rebuilt several times before. Recent visits from the Israeli civil administration and an organisation called Regavim indicate that another demolition will occur soon, leaving the community on edge and constant watch. One of the community members remarked to CPT, "[It is like we are pregnant and waiting for a baby, but instead of the celebration of birth we are waiting for the destruction of our home]."